Art in the Side Chapel

Art in the Side Chapel is a programme of temporary exhibitions and irregular artists’ projects curated by the Revd Dr Ayla Lepine, Associate Rector at St James’s and an established art and architectural historian in a parallel practice to her work as a core member of our clergy.

The programme focusses on artists whose work engages with social justice and spirituality. Art in the Side Chapel expresses the transformative power of creativity and faith, emphasising diverse perspectives and highlighting both emerging and established artists.

The Side Chapel at St James’s has a unique character in this 17th-century church designed by Sir Christopher Wren —often referred to as “the English Baroque style”, though actually pre-empting the simplicity of neo-classicism—in that the sightlines make it transparently visible from almost anywhere within in the main body of the church. Wren’s design gives the Side Chapel a distinct sense of containment, yet it is transparent within the whole, known for its light-flooded spaces.

The Art in the Side Chapel programme is driven by alignment and discussion with artists whose practice and work have commonalities with the values of St James’s, regardless of their faith or where they are in their career as professional artists.